Is this what it has come to?
A war before our eyes
Pain and suffering hidden in disguise
A war between white and black
Shuffling, unable to fully settle our differences
Who knew Ying Yang would turn on each other
At first it was Apartheid
Fighting for our equality
Fighting for our freedom and diversity in a mixed country
Black, White, Indian, Muslim, Congolese, we all human!
Even our Youth had to stand up for their rights
Marching in the streets of Soweto
Protesting for a change.
South Africa
Notorious for its breath-taking coastlines, spectacular wineries, rich minerals, dramatic mountainscapes and its beautiful diversity and cultures everywhere you go
Time is turning back
We as a country are going back
Heck! Do I even consider myself a representative of this country
Restarting the same level we from years ago
It's a war before our eyes
The streets filled with people protesting
Over a man to be freed from jail
2020 wasn't any better
Lost to many people due to a pandemic
Locked in doors, drove people from crazy to insane
Losing family members and stress caused depression and anxiety
Most of us survived and stayed strong, we got through 2020, praying and hoping 2021 will be better
2021, July, Hell broke loose
The Devil watching over the destruction and deaths
Crimes being committed, from the right to the left.
Looting, taking from the innocent who worked hard to achieve and accomplish their goals
Burning down shops, factories and more
Slowly breaking down the economy that wasn't stable to begin with at all.
Please forgive your country Mandela.
Bloodshed, Robbery, Tears and loved ones fall
Cops out but out-numbered
Bullets flying through the sky and leaving bodies on the floor as their souls rise into the sky
Is it even protesting anymore?
Why and when has it come to this?
Walked to the shops yesterday...
Being looked at differently because of the colour of my skin
Continued my shopping as they stare at me as if I'm an animal, a barbarian, a threat to society, an alien to humanity
Looked at packet of chips in silence as a white lady approached me and said,
"All black people are mistakes, we should have killed you all", she whispered to me and walked away.
Ignoring her threat and thinking positively, I walked to the Isle to check out.
I stood beside a white lady and her toddler
Kindly the toddler waves at me with a smile on her face
Before I say "hi" reflecting the kindness she showed me.
The mother pulled her away and moved to another Isle.
This is real
This is heartbreaking
This is the struggle
This is being a colour other than white
When will this end
When will we all learn
When will there be peace
God I pray for this country
Wasn't it 2010, we all celebrated the FIFA World Cup.
Braaiing, blowing vuvuzelas and making music
Wasn't it 2019, we all celebrated the "Springboks" win in the Rugby World Cup
Streets filled with cheer, laughter, more braaiing and vuvuzelas
What happened South Africa?
Why are we going back?
Why is there bloodshed and looting?
Why are we turning against each other?
All this destruction for one man that laughs on his way to the bank
I have nothing more to say but...
I do have one more question....
Is this the South Africa future generations should grow up in?
~ERYS
